Accurate, Focused Research on Law, Technology and Knowledge Discovery Since 2002

Who will be most impacted by rising temperatures in California?

New online mapping tool helps the state prepare for extreme heat: “Last summer was the hottest in California’s history. And as this summer kicks off, we’re bracing for more record-breaking temperatures. Heat is the deadliest effect of climate change in California. While it affects everyone, it disproportionately impacts low-income residents and communities of color.  “Heat is an equity issue. Neighborhood by neighborhood, we’re going to be experiencing heat differently,” said Colleen Callahan, co-executive director of the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation. “That’s why it’s important to identify where protections are most needed, and where they’ll have the biggest impact.” A new tool does just that. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI): Extreme Heat Edition helps the state ramp up its efforts to prepare for rising temperatures — visualizing where and who will be most affected in the coming decades. It was developed through a joint partnership between the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and Public Health Alliance of Southern California.  The tool allows users to explore several questions:

  • How hot will it get? As the climate changes, how many days are temperatures expected to soar above 90°F in your community? What about 100°F?
  • Who is vulnerable? Certain groups — such as children, older adults, and people with a disability — can be particularly sensitive to extreme heat. The tool shows where these at-risk populations may be most susceptible to heat risks based on where they live.
  • How resilient is my community? Community conditions like shady trees, parks, and clean air factor into the well-being of a neighborhood. Detailed data allows you to assess your community’s resilience to climate change.
  • What types of resources are available? Many funding programs exist to prepare for rising temperatures. The tool illustrates state level resources, like programs that provide air conditioners to low-income households and fund local urban greening…”

Sorry, comments are closed for this post.